hat in hand

adverb

Synonyms of hat in handnext
: in an attitude of respectful humility
have to go hat in hand to apologize

Synonyms of hat in hand

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Examples of hat in hand in a Sentence

he was forced to apologize hat in hand for the offensive comment
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The state auditor general or Department of Revenue's Division of Municipal Finance signs off on these fiscal doctor's notes that relieve cities from having to go hat in hand to lawmakers. — Patrick Anderson, The Providence Journal, 26 June 2026 The United States president arrived hat in hand, seeking money and promises from China’s latter-day emperor, Xi Jinping. — Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026 The socialist had come hat in hand asking the capitalist for help. — Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 27 Nov. 2025 Noland said the fare increase was needed not just to generate additional revenue but also to show state lawmakers a commitment to raising money while going to the General Assembly, hat in hand, to request additional funding from the state. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hat in hand

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hat in hand was in 1821

Rhymes for hat in hand

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Browse Nearby Words

Hatillo
hat in hand
hat leather
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hat in hand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hat%20in%20hand. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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